“I’ve told you several times, young master,” Codswallop said. “I am your manservant, bound and determined to bring you to your parents.”

“But I’ve never met my parents,” said Rags. “And I was living on the street. Why do you think they call me ‘Rags?'”

“I’m well aware,” Codswallop said. “But it is as I have been saying up to this point. I am to escort you to your parents, to see to your every need along the journey, and I will not be discharged from my duty until, honor-bound, I have seen it to its conclusion.”

“But we weren’t supposed to walk the Lands Betwixt,” Rags said. “We were supposed to take the airship.”

“Indeed, it is a much faster conveyance. But some arrive by boat, or by carriage.” Codswallop’s face was impassive.

“Why did my parents say they wanted me brought to them?” Rags pressed.

“Oh, they’ve never said anything of the sort,” said Codswallop. “I’ve never met them.”

“Then how do you know you’re bringing me to them?”

“Why, because they’ve passed on, of course. I prefer not to dwell on details, Rags, but I am currently employed as what might be called a psychopomp. It is my duty to escort souls such as yourself to the same place that their departed ones lie. The Beyond. But to say it out loud, in so many words, is confusing and distressing, you see. Especially when the journey by the shorter route fails, and the Lands Betwixt must be crossed on foot. Many lie there who have refused to make the journey themselves, Rags. And all of them eventually fade away.”

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